Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects | 71 In landscape character terms, the project responds well to the separate landscape units identified in the Hauraki Landscape Assessment (2006). The proposed underground mine and surface infrastructure at the Willows Road site will remain isolated and well contained within the foothills of the Coromandel Range. Similarly, GOP, the NRS and addition of TSF3 will remain well integrated within the elevated vegetated sequence of small volcanic peaks along the foothills of the Coromandel Range and limit any perceived extension into the primary production lowlands around Waihi. In landform terms, the expansion of surface infrastructure will result in an increase in rock and tailings introduced at Willows Road and to the east of Processing Plant. Such change will remain relatively well contained in the context of the surrounding topography and an existing mine, typically appearing below adjoining, more elevated, landform backdrops. In landcover terms, vegetation proposed to be removed will be replaced by a comprehensive Landscape Mitigation Plan at the commencement of the operation (see Figure 20). This comprises of approximately 22.7 hectares of riparian planting, 40.8 hectares of native terrestrial planting, 26.2 hectares of SNA enhancements and 2.6 hectare of wetland planting within OGNZL owned land which can occur from the commencement of the project and remain through project closure. In addition to planting which forms part of this project, OGNZL proposes to undertake further planting on adjoining land with agreement from the Department of Conservation and Hauraki District Council. This comprises 10.6 hectares of terrestrial and riparian planting on land adjoining the Willows Road site and a further 13.1 hectares of riparian and terrestrial planting on land adjoining the proposed expanded rock storage and tailings facilities, primarily along the margins of the Ohinemuri River. Given the above any cumulative landscape effects will be moderate and become largely neutral with potential positive effects at project closure. When considered in the context of existing mining activity, the overall open rural character will remain and avoid any wider perceived encroachment of expanded mining activity. 11.2 Cumulative Visual Effects Cumulative visual effects can occur in combination (seen together in the same view), in succession (where the observer needs to turn their head) or sequentially (with a time lapse between instances where proposals are visible when moving through a landscape). In terms of combination visual effects, the different aspects of proposed mining and associated storage activity will not typically all be visible in one view. The greatest potential cumulative visual effects will occur as a result of the proposed development of TSF3. The proposed TSF3 will be visible alongside the existing tailings storage facilities from some adjoining areas, including parts of Waihi Beach and Trig Road which will observe the gradual extension of tailings storage facilities along the toe of the adjoining backdrop beyond intervening rural land use. During operation, such transition will generate potential for some moderate-high cumulative visual effects as a gradual worked appearance occurs as a result of the construction of TSF3 and associated expansion of tailings storage facilities. Such cumulative adverse effects occur against a larger vegetated backdrop which will be retained, and gradually reduce as vegetation is re-established to reinforce a larger vegetated backdrop in this existing rural context. There will also be glimpsed combination views from within Golden Valley of proposed upgrades to the Processing Plant, the creation and rehabilitation of GOP and the creation of the NRS and associated temporary stockpiles adjoining the margins of the road. Similarly, the NRS and GOP are potentially visible from the summit from Black Hill. In all instances, however such views are seen in transient views and typically over long distances in the context of established mining activity with limited change in existing views or corresponding increase in potential cumulative visual effects.
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